livelifefully's Journal, 31 December 2008

Having to report a gain this week. I may need to follow points again to keep things in check. I guess it's not too bad considering it is the holidays.

I've had some good exercise again yesterday and today. I hit the pool (I've not done much for the last month b/c daughter's b-ball games were on my swimming nights) and did 60 lengths in 40 minutes. I'm very happy with that. 70 lengths is a mile, so I will do that as my next swimming goal and want to continually improve my speed. I did my 1/2 mile in 22 min which is one minute under my last time of 23.

I did a run/ walk this morning- 3.5 miles in 45 min. My knees are bothering me so Evelyn may be right that I need to quit running cold turkey for a week or two. I don't really want to though.

The next few days are presenting many overeating opportunities. I will navigate them consicously and do what I can while still enjoying it. I don't want to go crazy, but will get back at more strictness next week.

I got a part time job again starting next week. I already work one day a week coordinating children's cirriculum and teaching at church for MOPS, but starting next week I will also be doing some temporary receptionist work two days a week at church from 9-5. It should work out well and is a nice working environment. I will have to work in my workouts to this new busier schedule. I will probably have to cut down from working out 5 days/ week to maybe 3 and workout longer or something like that.

Well, FS buddies, I am really thankful for each one of you and the wonderful encouragement you have been to me and to each other this past year. January 6 makes it a whole year on for me. It's been so very helpful. I don't think I could have made such strides without you. I am so proud of all of us and what we have accomplished. We have all sacrificed, worked hard, been disciplined, and have pushed ourselves to new heights. I am so proud of you.

For myself, I am particularly proud of these accomplishments I have made this year:

1. Although I do want to lose maybe 5 more pounds, this is the first year ever I am not approaching New Years feeling like I have to lose weight and need to exercise coming out of a place of disappointment and disgust with myself. That is huge!! I have never felt like that before!

2. I lost 18 lbs since January! I now can wear a size 6 most of the time! Amazing!! Never thought that would happen!

3. I can truly say I have worked out faithfully at least 3 times/ week for an entire year! That is awesome.

4. I went from walking only to now being able to:
-Run 5 miles! WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could say that. It's still really challenging, but I can do it.
-Swim 40 straight minutes
-Develop strength and muscles and although I have weighed less in the past, I am more fit than I have ever been before.

5. I have faithfully trained for a triathlon 4 months now and my goal is to compete in at least 2 of them this new year!

I wish you and your families many blessings in this new year to come. Thanks for all your encouraging words this year. I look forward to all the ways we will grow and the new things we can accomplish in 2009!! It will be great. Hugs to you! Rachel

139.0 lb Lost so far: 7.0 lb.    Still to go: 5.0 lb.    Diet followed reasonably well.